DINERS will be able to enjoy meals al fresco when an Italian restaurant chain takes over part of a historic building in the centre of Taunton.

Wildwood expects to employ 35 staff after its £1million renovation of the ground floor and basement of the Market House is complete – probably by June.

Taunton Deane Council, which owns the 18th Century premises, has signed a deal to lease it to Wildwood, while the Tourist Information Centre, currently in Paul Street, is also planning to move into offices there.

A Wildwood spokesman said: “The Market House is a magnificent building and this is going to be a flagship restaurant for us.

“We hope to open in the early summer and will have over 120 seats, some of them outside, as we try to bring some life to the front and rear of the building.

“Taunton feels like the right location for us – we’re attracted to the fact that Somerset is a big tourist destination and by the demographics of the area.”

A Taunton Deane Council spokeswoman said the announcement provided a welcome jobs boost and would increase the town centre’s “buzz” by luring more people into the area.

She added that it is hoped TIC will relocate there, subject to councillor approval, by the start of the Taunton Live festival in July.

Cllr Norman Cavill, the authority’s executive councillor for economic development, said: “Wildwood is a small up and coming chain with a good offer that we believe will add to the excellent variety of eating options in the town.

“This lease will encompass the basement and ground floor areas with outdoor eating areas being created in Fore Street on both sides of the building.

“The Market House is a wonderful building in a prime site and the council is delighted that we are about to breathe new life into this area.

“We have been working long and hard to achieve this and I am delighted both schemes are coming to fruition.

“Taunton is becoming an increasingly sought after destination for retailers, restaurants and investors – we have seen some national names move here in recent months and it’s great news that we can now welcome Wildwood to Taunton.”